After months of relentless dry conditions and record-low rainfall, farmers in Victoria enjoyed much-needed relief on Saturday as rain finally arrived across the state.
For many living in drought-affected communities, this weekend marked a make-or-break moment, and nature didn’t disappoint.
Ski patroller Tess Hoinville was all smiles for the first day of the 2025 winter ski season on Mount Buller.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), the skies opened up on Friday, and widespread rain began to soak the state. By Saturday morning, much of western Victoria had received up to 20 millimetres of rain.
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said the Wimmera and south-west Victoria felt the full force, with some of the heaviest falls.
Edenhope in Victoria’s west, which had only seen 70 millimetres of rain all year, was treated to 27 millimetres in just one day. Horsham, Warracknabeal, Warrnambool and Portland also reported between 10 and 20 millimetres.
But it wasn’t just rain – snow made a stunning appearance, too. The Victorian Alpine region, which includes popular ski resorts Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham, saw fresh snow blanketing the slopes on Saturday morning, in time for the official start of the 2025 ski season.
Narramore said these areas received between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow overnight, with forecasts predicting an additional 15 to 30 centimetres by Sunday afternoon.
“You’re looking at two-day totals of 30 to 50 centimetres for the mountains by the time we get to Sunday night. A very snowy weekend, perfectly timed for the opening of the ski season,” he said.
As the long weekend continues, Victorians can expect more wintry conditions. Showers are predicted across much of southern and eastern Victoria, though the northern parts may see lighter rain.
Narramore said that by Monday lighter showers would continue, and a weaker system was forecast to move through mid-week, bringing another wave of rain. Many areas could receive 25 to 50 millimetres by the end of the week, with parts of north-eastern and eastern Victoria potentially seeing up to 100 millimetres in total.
More snow is forecast for Victoria’s Alpine region, including in Falls Creek.Credit: Vail Resorts Australia
“Once we get to about Tuesday, we’re going to see almost a week of showers coming up. So more rainfall is on the way for those that are looking for it – which I know there are many right across the state,” he said.
For those in drought-affected areas, this prolonged rain is a lifeline, and Narramore said while the rainfall may not always be heavy, the cumulative totals over the next several days will offer much-needed relief.
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